[A] MAN accused of alleged historical indecent assaults on seven different boys in the Lake District is due to go on trial next month.
Anthony John Pickering, 56, appeared at Carlisle Crown Court this morning (WED). During a short hearing in front of Judge James Adkin, Pickering appeared over a video link and pleaded not guilty to one alleged indecent assault on a boy aged under 14 years.
Pickering, bespectacled and bearded, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, nationality and to enter his not guilty plea.
On a previous occasion, he had denied nine other indecent assault charges in which six different boys – each said to have been aged under 14 at the time – are named.
All of the charges arise out of alleged incidents dating back more than 30 years which are said to have occurred in the Windermere area.
Pickering was told his trial is due to start at the crown court on July 16.
It is estimated the hearing, in front of a jury, will last around five days.
In the meantime Pickering, formerly of Claife Avenue, Windermere, was remanded in custody by Judge Adkin.
